Recently, I noticed my Texas I.D. was expired. I must have overlooked its importance on my last birthday while celebrating another year. However, I suddenly knew I must address the little card since I was speaking in another state, and the TSA Agent at the airport would be attentive to what I had failed to see. Plus, it was time to get a fresh up-to-date glamor shot, since losing weight.

Due to the long lines in Dallas and not wanting to take all day to simply get my I.D. updated, I asked my husband to drive me to a small, nearby Texas town 40 minutes from where we live. When arriving at the Driver’s Bureau, there were only five in line and I was confident it had been worth the drive and inconvenience.

Finally, it was my turn at the counter with the less than friendly government agent. I greeted her saying, “Hello. My name is Gail McWilliams, and I have lost my eyesight.” I went on saying, “If there are forms I need to fill out, my husband will do it for me.”

Before she could talk, I quickly added, “Oh yes. And, I am sorry that my I.D. has already expired several months ago.”

She looked at my ID and then at me and asked, “How do you know?”

I replied, “Well, when the cops pulled me over…”, and she roared with laughter. I knew I had been given uncommon favor that day because getting any government agent to smile is a major victory.

Feeling good about my progress and filled with hope, I went on. “Ma’am, I would like to go on and ask if I can get my driver’s license today.”

I felt her disapproving face, as she sternly said, “Didn’t you just tell me that you cannot see?” to which I quickly replied, “Yes! But look at my address. You obviously have given half of Dallas their licenses, and they cannot see either!” Now the whole line was laughing, and agreed. However, my request was denied.

I have often said publicly that if any blind person could get a driver’s license, it would be in Dallas. The traffic and crazy drivers make me wonder.

Hey! Exactly what do you see as you are barreling down life’s highway? Your identification merely gives you permission to drive, but does not guarantee your performance. Your birth has given you access to the greatest gift called “your life”; but what will you do with it? Where do you want to go?

Follow me in the express lane of purpose and vision, for there are new places to visit and new sights to see.

When you choose to look past all the construction, detours and traffic…the sky is the limit!